1. Water: This is the most common agent. Rivers, streams, waves, and rain all have the power to pick up and transport sediments. The size of the sediment a stream can carry depends on the speed and volume of the water.
2. Wind: Wind can carry small particles like sand and dust over long distances. This is especially common in deserts and coastal areas.
3. Ice (Glaciers): Glaciers are powerful forces of erosion. They can pick up and transport huge amounts of rock and sediment as they move across the landscape.
4. Gravity: Even gravity can play a role in moving sediment. Rockfalls, landslides, and soil creep all involve gravity pulling material downhill.
5. Biological Agents: Plants and animals can also contribute to sediment transport. For example, burrowing animals can move soil, and roots can break up rock.
The specific agent that carries away small particles of rock depends on the environment and the size and weight of the sediment.
